Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
ANCIENT
I. adjective see: ante-
Date: 14th century
having had an existence of many years, of or relating to a remote period, to a time early in history, or to those living in such a period or time, having the qualities of age or long existence: as, venerable , old-fashioned , antique , see: old ancientness noun
II. noun
Date: 1502
an aged living being , a person who lived in ancient times:, the civilized people of antiquity, one of the classical authors , an ancient coin,
III. noun
Etymology: alteration of ensign
Date: 1554
ensign , standard , flag , the bearer of an ensign